Further Thoughts of Veterans of the Past

Father Marcel Berthon's headstone, Saint Martin's
University Graveyard, God's Acre. Taken June 6, 2016.

      My escapades from earlier around the campus would lead me to revisit the graveyard on Saint Martin's. I would find several names but one that stood out again was Father Marcel Berthon, himself and four other monks from the abbey joined as military chaplains to support the ongoing war effort. After the war he resumed teaching at Saint Martin's University and benefit the community until his death. A graduate from the class of '59 was the one who financed the memorial piece pictured earlier in my blog. A strong sense of inner peace radiates from God's Acre.
     

Father Alcuin Lawrence's headstone, Saint Martin's University,
God's Acre. Taken June 6, 2016.

     Another key member among the five monks that served as a military chaplain was Father Alcuin Lawrence. He served as Dean of Men after Father Marcel Berthon from 1942-1943 before he commissioned in the Army. Father Alcuin was avid about human and workers rights and was also known as the "Labor Priest." After his service in the military, Father Alcuin, returned to SMU and advocated against unions forming within the school. He would later serve as a U.S. representative for Workers Rights conventions in conferences in Europe.

     In my development for my final paper I sought out "The Place Called Saint Martin's 1895-1995" and it would lead me searching for more information about the five military chaplain monks. Through my pursuit I was lead by the Abbey historian, Father Gerard, to seek out "Between The Years 1895 - 1945," but was unable to find a copy within the library. Ironically, I had already seen a copy earlier in the term without realizing it and was able to meet with Father Peter to divulge needed information from one of the few copies on campus. Once I had all my referenced information I began to write my paper, but I lacked current perspectives from those on campus and later interviewed Father Peter, Prof. Kyle Smith, Pres. Henderickx, and a WA Army National Guard Chaplain CPT Jeffrey Cole. Putting all together in one paper would seem to be a very interesting process and learning experience. 

The two books about Saint Martin's University as picured
below Saint Martin's Library across from Special Collections.

Jeanne D'arc Display in Saint Marin's
Univeristy main admin hallway. 

   



     As I try to come up with ways to honor past Saint Martin Veterans one of the few ideas that comes to mind is a life-size representation. I'd like to think of the representation of being a mannequin wearing a WWII Army Chaplain's uniform complete with awards and insignias along with some type of brief history of our five military chaplains. In one way or another I come to realize I can't do these projects myself and will call upon other members of the student body and veteran's club to help accomplish a number of tasks within the next school year.

Reaction to Travel as a Political Act

23 May, 2016

Rick Steves Travel as a Political Act

     During this class I've had the dissatisfaction of reading "Travel as a Political Act" by Rick Steves. There's something about the tone of voice about the book that make me just not like the book, but somehow to not like the guy himself for how he portrayed himself in his travels. Although he did shed some light on some issues relative to places where he had traveled he also seemed to always put his own spin with anti-colonialism, anti-war, anti-drug policies, and anti-fun travel. Rick sure make it seem that he was the anti-typical American traveler, but his own noted character flaws or actions made it seem that he was almost just another dumb tourist with an agenda for his travels.

     According to Rick one must learn something when traveling rather than traveling for enjoyment or appreciation and that seems to a bit too straightforward or judgmental of how people should travel. Although he does make a good point at times to how being part of something bigger than oneself and being a part of history or witness something that is truly awe inspiring. At instances he manages to inadvertently insult someone or their cultural beliefs without being aware of it at the time does seem to be a bit ethnocentric. At one point in time he offers a hookah to a practicing Muslim during Ramadan and another gives a thumbs up in another country, which is like the middle finger, it makes him seem like he's culturally insensitive at times. For all the times he stresses to learn something or another during trips it's like he doesn't care about learning about certain cultures before he actually travels.

     There's certainly a lot of things that I can go on about how I personally don't like this book but that's my own opinion and you should have your's.

References

Steves, R. (2009). Travel as a Political Act. New York, NY: Nation Books.

Tacoma Trip

23 May, 2016

Downtown Tacoma trip passing the Washington State History Museum

   

     Today, our class headed our class went sight seeing in downtown area Tacoma and saw some neat things during our trip. Most museums were closed with it being a Monday and all so we decided to take-in alternate sights with discussions of history and the classical purpose of old buildings for new purposes. 

Self-Portrait while riding the trolley

     

     We took a nice little tram from an earshot of an Army Band playing on the University of Washington campus. We were greatful that the trolley ride was free and for some this was the first time being on a ride such as this. Ridesharing options like this helps locals as a from of needed public service for those who want to save money or can't afford their own transportation. A nice little tram ride took us to our next destination where we could enjoy a late lunch. 

The Historic Freighthouse Square

     We decided beforehand to stop at the Historic Freighthouse Square for lunch. For an average of about $10 most of of us enjoyed a large plate of food and a drink, except for me I dined on a MRE I brought from home to save some money. What's up with the picture? Think of it as a imperfect picture for a demonstrated reason to not to be like every other tourist. 

Glass art over I-5

     Our class rode the trolley back to our previous destination and we walked across the Chihuly Bridge of Glass with some neat glass sculptures from a local artist. There's more than 2,000 pieces in displays on the overpass including two of these giant rock candy looking pieces. Each piece has their own distinct character and many uses many different colored glasses within each art piece. Each one must have taken a considerable amout of time and expertise to craft without braking it. I would suggest to visit them in-person to get a better idea and appreciation for the art and the artist. 

Bridge from The Tacoma Chinese Reconciliation Park

     The last stop of our trip brought to us to a small park that was dedicated to Chinese residents that were forced from their homes in the late 1880's. It was a injustice that they were forced from their homes, communities, and businesses that they came to know while living in Tacoma. Later, It stands as a reminder of the historic lessons we should remember and how we should learn to get along with those of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

My Shitty First Draft Ideas

CPT Berthon, Marcel WWII Army Chaplain from St. Martin's Abbey

     As a veteran, I strongly relate to other veterans and issues that affect us as a whole. I believe in the sacrifice and patriotism it takes for someone to signup for the armed forces to support the nation at home and abroad. We veterans come from all walks of life and live to support each other during our service and keep those lessons with us after we exit the armed forces.

     What I'm interested in today is the monks that have joined the armed forces from Saint Martin's University: what was their purpose in joining the armed services as chaplains; what monks have joined; their stories of their service to their country during a time of war; and how has their service benefited their lives and the community.

     I am currently planning on reaching out to: Fr. Peter in the Special Collections here in the Saint Martin's O'Grady Library, other monks within the abbey, as well as other resources on-campus and off-campus.

As I continue to develop information on this topic I plan to share my progress and ideas.

Imperfect Photgraphs

18 May, 2016

Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve and a gun range in the distance.

     Today, we traveled to Mima Mounds, just short of 20 minutes from downtown Olympia. As we wandered through these mysterious mounds dried foliage crunched beneath our feet as not so distant gunshots echoed in the trees around us. The landscape was littered with these mounds and most of the them were about 5-10 meters in diameter and about as tall as the average person. A small path curved around the area and looped back around to the dome like watch tower.

     I decided not to be the typical tourist and took pictures differently as suggested from "Counter.Tourism," but I also included my own twists on what I had decided to share. 

     Among the other stop we had made, we had also decided to visit the lake besides the Old Olympia Brewery. There was a nice little park designed for children and families across the lake from the brewery and it seems the ducks and especially their ducklings get all the attention this time of year. A Professional photographer had been taking pictures of the ducks as we had come across this little park and I decided to take a picture of what I'm seeing while others are taking their own pictures.  

students, photographers, visitors, and ducks by the Old Olympia Brewery Lake.

Saint Martin's University Steps

As a student of Saint Martin's University, I behold the landscape and architecture as I climb these stairs daily. Often, I see students running up and down the stairs or practice boxing techniques with a partner at the base of the steps. Throughout the year the campus is normally pretty busy, but now, during the start of the summer session, the campus is almost empty.

Saint Martin's University - Old Main & Stairs

Hi,

I am starting this new blog for my ENG 102 Travel/Comm class.

My name is Patrick and I am currently perusing my degree in Mechanical Engineering at Saint Martin's University.

I am an Army Veteran and have deployed twice to Afghanistan.

I'm looking forward to sharing my thoughts and interactions while undertaking this course this semester.